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General Christmas has had a long and distinguished career in the Marine Corps. He served on active duty for 34 years, most recently as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He continues his service as President of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps. Ron Christmas was born in Philadelphia. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. degree in 1962 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He then attended The Basic School (TBS) at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. His first assignment after TBS was as a platoon commander at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In 1963, Christmas was promoted to first lieutenant. He augmented from the reserve into the Active Component in 1965. That same year, he was assigned as Executive Officer of the Headquarters Company, Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. In 1966, on promotion to captain, Christmas became Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company. In 1967, he transferred to the Republic of Vietnam, where he served as a company commander. During the Battle for Hue City, Tet '68, he was seriously wounded and consequently evacuated to the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. After hospitalization, he was assigned to the staff of TBS. Later, he graduated with distinction from the Amphibious Warfare School (AWS) and was then assigned as an instructor at the Army's John F. Kennedy Institute for Military Assistance in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1971, Christmas served as the Special Assistant and Aide to the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps in Washington. Christmas was advanced to major in 1972. In 1973, he returned to TBS, serving first as Company Tactics Chief, then Commanding Officer of a Student Company, and later as the Tactics Group Chief. From TBS, he transferred to the MC Command and Staff College as a student. In 1975, he transferred to Okinawa as Operations Officer of a battalion and, later, as Executive Officer. In 1976, he was assigned as Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland. Christmas was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1978. In 1979, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of a recruit training battalion at MC Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. He attended the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, and participated in the Cooperative Degree Program at Shippensburg University, obtaining a master's degree in Public Administration in 1982. Also in 1982, he was assigned as a Naval Operations Officer, J3 Directorate, United States Pacific Command (USCINCPAC), Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. Upon promotion to colonel, he became Chief of Protocol, USCINCPAC. In 1984, he was assigned as Commanding Officer, 3d Marine Regiment (Reinforced), 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade. In 1986, he was assigned as Director, Amphibious Warfare School (AWS). In 1988, Christmas was advanced to brigadier general and assigned as Assistant Division Commander, 3d Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force/Commanding General, 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), Okinawa. In 1989, he assumed command of the 3d Force Service Support Group (FSSG). In 1990, Christmas again took command of the 9th MEB in addition to his duties as Commanding General, 3d FSSG. In 1991, Christmas was promoted to major general and assigned as Director for Operations (J3), USCINCPAC. He was advanced to lieutenant general in 1993 and assumed duty as Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force, MCB Camp Pendleton, California. He became Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in 1994. He retired in 1996. General Christmas's decorations and medals include the Navy Cross, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and three gold stars in lieu of consecutive awards, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. |
